Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Research consistently supports the effectiveness of Partial Hospitalization Programs for both substance use and primary mental health conditions. PHP is often used as a structured alternative to inpatient care or as a step-down level of care before transitioning to Intensive Outpatient (IOP) or Outpatient services.

In one study of veterans with substance use disorder, individuals who completed a PHP had an employment rate of 41% compared to 6% for those who did not complete the program. These outcomes closely mirror improvements seen in individuals completing structured substance use treatment programs.

Another study evaluating individuals who completed detoxification or partial hospitalization for opioid use disorder found that approximately 40% remained completely abstinent one month post-discharge. Among those who did return to use, consumption occurred at a significantly lower rate than pre-treatment levels—a benefit that aligns with PHP’s ability to stabilize symptoms before transitioning to lower levels of care.

PHPs have also demonstrated positive outcomes for clients with primary mental health conditions, including eating disorders and mood disorders, offering an intensity of care that can prevent hospitalization while still providing a high level of clinical oversight. This is especially true for individuals receiving mental health treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma-related symptoms that benefit from daily therapeutic structure, supplemented by trauma-focused therapy. Learn more in this review of day treatment programs.

In The Heights Treatment’s Partial Hospitalization Program in Houston, clients participate in a highly structured, clinically intensive schedule while continuing to live at home or in supportive housing. PHP offers a powerful middle ground between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient therapy, allowing clients to practice new skills in real time while receiving robust daily support.

Most clients in PHP are managing complex mental health concerns, substance use disorders, or co-occurring diagnoses that require daily structure and accountability. Under the direction of our psychiatric and medical team, clients may receive:

• Up to 30 hours of group, individual, and family therapy each week
• Ongoing psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Access to medical and laboratory services, as clinically indicated

This level of care is especially appropriate for clients who need daily monitoring or structured support to safely navigate:

• Acute intoxication or withdrawal potential
• Co-occurring biomedical conditions that complicate treatment
• Emotional, behavioral, or cognitive symptoms that require frequent check-ins and therapeutic intervention

As stability improves, clients may transition to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Houston or Outpatient services, maintaining continuity with the same trusted clinical team.

At The Heights Treatment, we know that no two clients share the same story, diagnosis, or goals. Our continuum of care is designed to meet clients where they are and support them step by step toward long-term recovery. We treat a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders and substance use disorders that often require structured daily support.

Each client entering our Houston PHP completes a comprehensive pre-assessment. Using this assessment, the Clinical Director and treatment team determine the appropriate Level of Care (LOC) and develop an individualized treatment plan that integrates psychiatric care, psychotherapy, and family involvement.

The care each client receives is tailored based on:

• Results of a multidimensional biopsychosocial assessment grounded in the ASAM Criteria
• The client’s self-identified needs, strengths, and goals
• Clinical recommendations from our multidisciplinary treatment team

As clients complete treatment goals and stabilize, they transition to a lower level of care such as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Houston or Outpatient services while maintaining a relationship with the same providers they trust.

The ASAM Criteria is the most widely used and comprehensive framework for determining placement, continued stay, and discharge for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. It helps treatment providers identify the safest and most clinically appropriate level of care based on each client’s unique needs.

At The Heights Treatment, our Houston PHP uses the ASAM multidimensional assessment along with the expertise of our clinical team to create outcome-focused, individualized treatment plans for clients experiencing a variety of concerns. These needs often include conditions related to mental health or substance use that require structured daily support.

ASAM outlines a full continuum of care that ranges from early intervention to medically managed inpatient treatment. Partial Hospitalization (PHP) is identified as Level 2, offering intensive programming, daily therapeutic structure, psychiatric involvement, and clinical monitoring while still allowing clients to live in their community or supportive housing.

As clients meet treatment goals and become more stable, they transition to the next appropriate level of care. Many step down into our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), followed by Outpatient services to ensure continued progress, stability, and long-term support within the same trusted clinical team.